|
Printer Friendly |
Layoffs loom in 2001: if I-695 passes, says city official
Layoffs loom in 2001 if:
Initiative 695 passes, says city official
By Stephen Maher, World staff writer
WENATCHEE -- The city will need to slash $352,000 if Initiative 695 is approed
in November, yet probably can get through 2000 without laying off any employees.
But at least eight positions would have to be eliminated the following year,
City Administrator Gary Tomsic told the Parks Board this week.
"These are tough issues the new City Council will have to deal with," he said.
Tomsic's comments were the first time a city official has said layoffs are
likely if I-695 passes. The statewide measure would lower car tab fees to $30
and would require voter approval on all future tax and fee increases.
This year, the city has 202 full-time-equivalent positions.
All three city commissioners and Tomsic attended the Parks Board meeting Monday
evening to brief members on how next year's budget is shaping up. Parks Director
Chuck Largent has requested one new employee and $238,000 for capital projects.
Other departments have asked for 14 new employees -- including nine in the
Police Department. Capital requests topped $380,000.
Tomsic said he will recommend next Monday to city commissioners that just two
new jobs -- a police community service officer and a public works receptionist
-- be added next year if I-695 is defeated.
If the initiative passes, he said, the city will have to cut at least $352,000
from its budget, and there will be no new positions.
Tomsic said likely cuts include a new park on former Wal-Mart property on North
Wenatchee Avenue; economic development funding; a redesign for the Stanley Civic
Center plaza; improvements to the ice rink and swimming pool; and funding for
such programs as the Women's Resource Center.
He said no employee layoffs will occur next year because the city has reserves,
including federal law-and-justice funding, to carry it through 2000.
City Commissioner Chuck Johnson said the city wants to maintain between $1.5
million and $1.6 million in reserves next year.
